MXPA00006461A - Universal shopping center for international operation - Google Patents

Abstract

An international transaction system for operation over the internet/intranet provides a pre-transactional calculation of all charges involved in any international transaction. Upon the option of the customer, the goods can be viewed (108) on catalogue sheets translated to a language of the customer's choice, and the price provided in a currency selected by the customer. The customer also has the option of initiating the order with automatic credit authorization (150), generation of an electronic title (165) or commercial invoice and arrangements and payment of shipping charges (134) and any taxes and import/export duties (187).

Description

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL OPERATION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention refers to an electronic catalog of goods and ordering systems for use on the Internet / Intranet. Particularly, the present invention focuses on the facilitation of international purchase of articles through the Internet / Intranet, taking into account all aspects of said transactions. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY Consumers have already discovered the advantages of buying from their homes through the use of catalogs, television channels to make purchases or through computerized systems to carry out transactions.

There are numerous public Internet websites as well as private Intranet sites that offer various items and services for sale. Most of these public websites and private sites operate in national settings where the buyer and the seller face the limitations of a particular language and a specific national currency. There are numerous transaction systems that use electronic communications, including the Internet, as conduits for an exchange of items and funds. Conventional technology includes numerous examples that contain certain elements relevant to international transactions of items to be sold beyond national borders. U.S. Patent No. 5,319,542 to King, Jr. et al. , presents a system for ordering articles through the use of an electronic catalog stored in a publicly accessible database. The patent includes a description of a related scheme of online catalogs provided by Prodigy Corp., in accordance with the provisions of column 1, beginning with line 26. The use of the Prodigy system suggests the use of the Internet to offer both information of catalog as well as a conduit to enter electronic purchase orders to be sent to sellers. A key aspect of the catalog system is that you can maintain public catalogs and private catalogs. Both can be updated electronically, probably through the Internet since other methods are not described. The catalog system includes the supply of previously negotiated prices and predetermined shopping lists for specific customers. A key aspect of commercialization of this system is the supply of competitive product information since multiple vendor catalog data are offered for the public electronic catalog. The authorization aspects of the requisition process seem to be limited to those carried out within the organization of the client itself instead of being carried out through a third party, for example bank or clearing house. U.S. Patent No. 5,420,405 to Chasek presents a system for creating electronic or virtual money for personal transactions. The virtual money can integrate the "functions of cash, checks and credit cards while the system offers a constant vigilance against fraud." This virtual money is conceived as a means of international exchange, and includes provisions for collections and automatic payments of taxes on As a result, the purchase price is increased by multipliers for state, federal and city taxes, within national limits.The system employs a terminal for a person that allows automatic transactions of all types as well as record keeping. personal accounts This terminal system includes a well-known universal rate payment system that uses point-of-sale debit via radio signals.The Chasek system employs an electronic banking subsystem that can transfer funds between two individuals. system includes the use of packets of exchange bytes of me gave that identify the custodian of the personal account, the payer, the amount of the transaction, the type of transaction, the seller, a security number and a national code. This transfer uses a personal account custodian to transfer between the client (who has transferred funds to a predetermined account) to another individual, such as a seller who then obtains access to these funds through the personal account custodian. Communications between personal account custodians and seller account custodians are carried out using radio waves through a satellite responder, which ensures that a personal account custodian in a country can reach a seller account custodian in another country. US Patent No. 5,594,225 to Botvin discloses a method for conducting financial transactions via digital fax, where the transaction is compensated after the giro documents faxed by the payer to the payer's bank are presented and processed through a machine readable by machine. U.S. Patent No. 5,666,493 to Wojcik et al. Presents a system for handling customer orders that includes an electronic catalog to streamline purchasing functions. The system has an order handling function, integrated with financial services to process orders and create financial records. The system also includes a logistics function to consolidate orders for optimal delivery through existing transport systems. An inventory management system is also included and arranged to cooperate with the order handling function. This functionality is achieved by accessing each subsystem database on a real-time basis, through the horizontal integration of each subsystem in order to create an efficient flow of data between the various subsystems. The selection of the details to transport the articles is one of the subsystems to which access is based on real time. Thus, customers who place orders can know the shipping costs as well as other shipping details as the order is entered. In the same way, a credit authorization can be carried out based on real time as an order is entered.

U.S. Patent No. 4,926,368 to Morita et al discloses an electronic conversion device for national currencies. In the same way, US Pat. No. 4,766,293 to Bosten presents a transaction card capable of authorizing a transaction using several national currencies. US Patent No. 5,644,721 to Chung et al. Presents a computerized reservation system that employs a "global national currency" to carry out "" the consolidation of travel reservations throughout the world. US Patent No. 5,644,115 to Fraser presents a system for sellers and buyers to correspond automatically using, among other techniques, the Internet. U.S. Patent No. 5,351,189 to Doi et al and U.S. Patent No. 4,383,306 to Morimoto et al present both electronic language translators. If there are international sales, realistic conversions of national currencies become a factor as well as customs issues, import / export tariffs and shipping. These points are not taken into account in conventional transaction systems. Likewise, in conventional Internet or Intranet transaction systems, translations of all foreign catalogs, including full sales conditions and shipping costs, are not always offered. As a result, the buyer of items from a foreign country frequently faces significant and unexpected charges at the time of delivery of the items. Such systems are clearly not suitable for a global market or for the requirements of international transactions. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to consolidate all the separate components of an international sale into a program through which a buyer can make purchases by computer virtually anywhere in the world. It is another object of the present invention to offer a transaction system through which a buyer can make, purchases by computer virtually anywhere in the world using the language of the buyer. It is a further object of the present invention to offer a transaction system through which a buyer can acquire by computer virtually anywhere in the world and see a display of the items with the prices established in the buyers own national currency. It is still another object of the present invention to offer a transaction system in which a buyer can go shopping by computer almost anywhere in the world and be informed of the complete shipping charges for the delivery of the selected articles, in such a way that Shipping costs are paid as part of the overall price of the selected items. It is still an object of the present invention to offer a transaction program, wherein a buyer can go shopping almost anywhere in the world in such a way that the items selected for acquisition have prices that include all import tariffs and others. taxes of this type added, which allows the buyer to pay these amounts as part of the cost of the items selected at the time of acquisition. It is a further object of the present invention to offer a transaction system through which a buyer can make purchases by computer almost anywhere in the world and buy items using a conventional system with approved credit cards or other electronic currencies. It is still another object of the present invention to offer a transaction system in which a buyer can go shopping almost anywhere in the world in such a way that the buyer can compare products from different countries on a global scale. Another object of the present invention is to provide a transaction system through which a buyer can go shopping by computer almost anywhere in the world to facilitate direct sales to the consumer or sales of companies to companies. Another object of the present invention is to provide a forum where manufacturers can expand into new export markets through a transaction system that allows a buyer to buy by computer virtually anywhere in the world, thus reducing the distribution costs for manufacturers, and as a result, costs to consumers. COMPENDIUM OF. A INVENTION These and other objects of the present invention are achieved through a system to carry out an international transaction through conventional linksEMF, made by Internet using computer-to-computer communications. Said system to perform all the requirements for ' "complete international transactions between computers running web, being at least one computer programmed to comprise: (a) means for providing access to a plurality of databases , the databases being related to each other by at least one transaction, (b) a means to generate an electronic title for items subject to the transaction, (c) a means to provide a route for the electronic title along the route. . transportation of goods involved in the transaction this system further also comprises: (d) a means for transferring funds to pay all tariffs, ios handling costs and costs of transfer of items subject to the transaction, where plurality of databases includes information about customer data, financial data, appropriate articles for the transaction, route information for Items subject to the transaction and costs to transfer items, costs to handle items at transfer points, and costs of fees, and taxes. The system also includes a means to convert currencies for the purpose of carrying out transactions between consumers and sellers in different countries, and also includes: (a) a means to generate a database of consumer purchase histories and financial data of consumer; and (b) a means to review the customer's purchase history database, before initiating transactions. The process is initiated by accessing an Internet website or private site controlled by the international transaction program. The client who has access to the web site then selects a language in which he can view the catalog information. The customer also selects the currency with which he will pay for the products to be acquired. After selecting the products for consideration, the client can initiate the calculation of all charges involved in an international transaction for the acquisition of the selected product by selecting a shipping destination. If the client wishes, he can initiate the order for the selected product, including automatic credit authorization, and the generation of an electronic title. Moreover also contemplates a current signal generated as part of an international transaction carried out through a link EMK between at least two computers, generating the signal current by at least one computer and comprising: (a ) items subject to the transaction; (b) route information to transfer the items subject to the transaction from the seller to a destination; and (c) all the necessary data to generate the electronic title configured to define the possession and facilitate the passage of the articles subject to the transaction and the payment of taxes and international tariffs. Said signal stream further comprises: (d) data to generate all the documents necessary for an international transaction at transfer points along a travel route of the articles subject to the international transaction; and (e) financial information necessary to effect the transfer of funds at each transfer point, along the route where said transfer is required. Also, this application includes a system to carry out all the requirements for a complete international transaction between computers that operate through a network of EMF communications links, with at least one of the computers programmed to understand: (a) ) a means to generate an electronic title for items subject to a transaction; (b) a means to provide a route to the electronic title along a transport route of items involved in the transaction. Said system further comprises: (c) a means to transfer funds to pay all transfer costs required for the items subject to the transaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A and IB constitute a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the transaction system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The design of the international transaction and purchase system of the present invention creates a suture-free order entry system for purchase on the World Wide Web or private networks. There is access to a plurality of databases and computer systems to carry out the necessary functions for both national and international transactions for the acquisition of goods and services. All interactions between the various external databases and the transaction program are controlled by a transaction program. The transaction system has or interacts with several databases, including: 1) product and catalog information, including translations into different languages from the product catalogs; 2) national currency information, including conversion data and alarm data indicating instability; 3) product codes from harmonized tariff tables, including tax and import information, including administrative requirements and data to satisfy said requirement, as well as foreign tariff information, including methods to calculate all tariffs, taxes on luxury products , etc.; 4) vendor inventories and order registration database; 5) shipping information, including all options for each part of a trip between the origin of the product of the client's destination; 6) database and credit authorization processing system and / or confirmation of funds transfer; and 7) customer information, including credit and financial data, as well as acquisition records and profiles. These databases interact in the manner illustrated in the flow chart of Figures IA and IB and in accordance with what is described below to provide all the information necessary to carry out a transaction. Communications between the transaction program, the client and the various databases are carried out through the use of any communication link by electromagnetic force (EMF) waves, such as radio waves, light pulses, lines of communication. phone, etc. The system integrates all the aforementioned databases (represented as databases in Figures IA and IB), including databases owned by the system operator that controls the transaction system of the present invention, as well as external databases (such as the credit authorization database). Initial entry into the system provides an opportunity to determine the client's language. The language selection operates by default to select the customer's most likely currency unless the customer indicates otherwise. The system is established in such a way that whatever the client's country can be linked to any language and that the prices can be converted to any national currency. However, in practical terms, some products are not available in all countries or appropriate for all countries. Once the language is determined and once the currency is selected, the client can review the product lists that have prices that reflect the currency and taxes of the country in which the client is located. The precise operation of the international transaction system of the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of Figures 1A and IB which is suitable for both domestic transactions and international transactions. In step 101, a user has access to the Internet website in which the client portion of the transaction is carried out. A menu is offered to the user or customer that allows selection among several different catalogs in a manner already known in the conventional art. Nevertheless, the present transaction system differs from conventional systems insofar as the user can select a preferred language in the pOase 102. A plurality of catalogs, each translated into several languages are available in the system. There is access to a particular catalog or set of catalogs, in a preferred language, step 104 of the processing center designated as the first database and downloaded for access by the user. Preferably, the language translation databases not shown that contain the translations of all the material in the catalog, are kept in separate databases in separate computers from those that handle the interface with the clients. This arrangement saves time and memory space for the computers that actually handle the transaction. The first database can be handled by the system operator of the transaction system of the present invention or it can be external to the transaction system. In the latter case, the system operator can access said data via the Internet, Intranet or any other electromagnetic force wave communication (EMF) communication link. Preferably, the user receives several different catalogs, which are selected based on real time.

It is expected that many of the catalogs come from sources external to the United States of America, as well as external to the English-speaking world. Therefore, there must be previously translated versions of unprocessed catalogs in English, thus allowing real-time access to each of the catalogs in several different languages. This is handled by the first database and processing center (illustrated as the first database in Figures IA and IB), which serves as the catalog trainer. In a step 106, a desired catalog is selected (in its country of origin) and the customer's country is entered to select a default currency, which is used as an initiator to guide the transaction or portions of the transaction process once one or several products have been selected from the electronic catalogs. The download of the selected catalog's home country (step 106) also initiates automatic access (step 191) of the translation database (according to the database and processing center in Figures IA and IB) to provide the conversion of specific currency between that of the original country of the catalog and that of the client in accordance with that selected by automatic selections by default. However, the customer has additional currency conversion options in accordance with what is described with the relation to step 112 above.

Since several catalogs are considered, a "power search" for a specific product (or specific service) among all the products or services available in the catalogs are available to the client in order to decrease the search time for the products. desired products. If an optional "power search" is requested in step 107, an automatic access of the language translation database occurs to search the selected language versions of each of the catalogs contained therein. Once this is done, a list of catalogs is offered to the client in the form of a menu in such a way that the client can view any or all of the catalogs. In step 108, the customer selects and displays a particular catalog and product within this catalog for consideration. The product is presented in the form of a menu in such a way that the variations and permutations, and other characteristics of the product can be studied. This is carried out in the form of a menu in a manner well known in the conventional art of electronic catalogs. In the alternative, a catalog from a particular vendor can select instead of using the "power search" of all catalog inventory. In addition, the "power search" engine can be activated once again (step 107) to find a particular product in the selected catalog.

In the alternative, a printed index (such as those used in printed catalogs) can be provided. Making a selection (step 110) from the catalog produces related web pages for any of the products listed. The power search function from the product page allows the customer to search for keywords for one of the catalogs or all of the listed catalogs. In each catalog, a manufacturer index allows you to search for products from a single manufacturer. The client can also return or advance through the program at any time. An image (or several images) of the product is usually accompanied by a description of the product, manufacturer's name, shipping weight, cost (in the customer's currency), as well as other information regarding order options (sizes, colors) , available styles, etc.) and the means to select multiple product units (with the desired options). When a particular product is selected in (step 110), a price is automatically requested in the customer's currency. The currency is normally selected by default (based on the selection of step 102). However, the customer has the option of selecting a particular currency (step 112) in which he wants the catalog price of the selected products. The currency conversion (step 191) is carried out in the second database and processing center.

This second database provides a "real time" conversion of the currency of the country where the catalog originates to the currency selected by the customer. The price is provided to the customer with a clear indication that it is the price for delivery to the seller's factory or to one of the seller's distributors, not to the customer's location. However, there are difficulties with converting currencies into "real time". For example, since currency trading takes place electronically, there may be a nearly constant change in the conversion rate. Accordingly, it is necessary to freeze the conversion rate for purposes of carrying out a selected transaction at a particular time point. This can be done automatically (step 116) at the time at which the customer initially asks the converted catalog price by selecting a particular product. In order to compensate for any disparity between the quoted exchange rate and the real exchange rate when the transaction is carried out between the seller and the customer (either independently or through the auspices of the present transaction system), the system of transaction adds a small percentage to the conversion rate (step 117). This percentage can also accommodate charges to the seller or the customer for using the transaction system and taking advantage of its advantages. In step 118, an automatic alarm is triggered when one or both currencies in the selected conversion process are subject to wide fluctuations in their value. Such fluctuations can be determined by the system operator in such a way that, when in the opinion of the operator the currencies become unstable, the system may suspend transactions in one or both of the national currencies in question, said suspension being automatic or manual, according to the preferences of the system operator. When the decision is made, a message is sent to the customer (step 190) instead of a price, indicating that due to the instability of the currency market, transactions in a particular currency have been suspended. At this time, the customer can receive the option of an alternative currency, if said alternative is feasible. For another option, the customer may be offered a higher price to compensate for large changes in currency conversion values. Any of these opinions or all of these opinions are offered to the customer along with any other desired catalog information, in step 190. If the currency conversion is stable, the price is displayed (step 120) to the customer almost snapshot, either after step 190 or after optional step 112. A message is also displayed together with the price indicating that the displayed price is limited to the seller's factory or one of its points of sale, however the seller may select it. The message also indicates that the client must request additional information to obtain the price of the product to be delivered to a destination selected by the client. It is essential that the message clearly states to the customer that there are more expenses involved to obtain the items than simply the original price at the factory or at the vendor's distributor. This is especially true if the seller and the customer are in different countries, such as the United States of America and the Netherlands. The following table A illustrates this situation.

PICTURE (Table below) 21. Port charge 31. Coverage surcharges $ 150.00 $ 50.00 22. Militarization 32. Warnings surcharges of $ 200.00 war N / A 23. Transportation of stevedore to 33. Cost and freight of goods along the side ship to Rotterdam (CFR) $ 75.00 $ 25,079.00 24. Price price to 34. Cost, insurance and long boat freight, Norfolk, Rotterdam (CIF) VA (FAS) $ 25, 229.00 $ 24,250.00 25. Security and cargo of 35. Port charges for Rotterdam charges $ 100.00 $ 75.00 26. Length charges 36. Extra dock cargo charges N / A $ 150.00 27. Lift charges 37. Docker and transport heavy to terminal N / A $ 75.00 28. Ship price FOB 38. Pre-amount of cameras $ 24,350.00 compensation $ 100.00 29. Maintenance fee 39. Release of port obligations (HMF) 0.125% Value without payment in Rotterdam ( DDU) SED $ 25,629.00 $ 29.00 30. Oceanic car charges 40. Import duties $ 750.00 based on item rate classification, class 8703.21 (conventional) = 10.0% $ 2,562.00 (Table below) Based on the calculations that address each problem in Table A (where appropriate), the customer receives the option to determine the actual price of the transaction. If the client makes this request (step 120) the next step of the process of the invention is carried out. In response to an affirmative response from the client, an article code for the selected product is obtained (step 122) by having access to the third database and processing center, which contains tables of tables search of harmonized international rates and classification system, as well as the formats for any necessary import / export data, as well as administrative requirements for all countries involved in possible transactions. If the country of origin of the seller or the country of destination has codes of articles different from those of the harmonized tables, a search is made in other databases through the third database and processing center to determine the - correct code of the article. This search (not illustrated) will be used to find other data related to the product and the country of destination, as well as to generate appropriate documents from the third database. In addition the article code can be visualized to the client for his information. However, this is not necessary. The product code in combination with the destination country is used to initiate certain subsequent operations of the transaction process of the present invention as illustrated in Figures IA and IB in Steps 130 and 132 above the "actual price" or price to deliver. the products selected at a specific point (probably a convenient point for the client) includes the cost of all the freight for each of the parts of the trip, insurance (if desired), sales taxes, handling fees, generation of documents and shipping charges, import / export tariffs, and taxes on "value added" as well as taxes on luxury items (if applicable). The first step to calculate the freight cost is to determine the total number of items to ship. This is entered by the customer in step 124. At this point in which a determination is made between retail and wholesale transactions based on the type and quantity of product (of the catalog data) and the identity of the customer. This determination may initiate the selection of shipping conditions in step 128 above. This operation will immediately initiate a review operation (step 125) with the seller, so that the indicated number of the selected products is available. This is carried out by access (step 192) to a fourth database and processing center (preferably generated and maintained by the selected vendor). This operation will automatically contact the seller and confirm the inventory request. If the required number of product is not available, a message can be sent back to the program of the transaction to be displayed to the customer. Also, any additional information regarding product availability, such as expected delivery dates, etc., may be offered at this time.In step 126, the customer enters the destination for purposes of calculating the cost of delivering the product. selected product or products selected for this destination.This information, in combination with the article code initiates the particular calculations for packaging, shipping, taxes, tariffs, insurance, etc. of the rest of the transaction process.This is necessary to select the correct freight routes and the appropriate charges., if the destination point is within the country of the originating seller (a determination is made in step 193), the calculation of charges for transportation and tariffs is greatly simplified. The calculation of standard freight charges is provided along with the optional insurance and any other possible charges, to the customer in step 127. This information can be displayed on the screen, as soon as the client indicates the destination point due to the simplicity of the calculations. The options that can be displayed in conjunction with step 127 allow the customer to select the various transport and insurance options available (depending on the state of retail / wholesale). Likewise, the seller can offer a standard transport package to customers, which can be less expensive (due to the volume of the seller and the ability to negotiate with the transport companies) than the options available to individual customers. If appropriate, the selection by the customer of the options can be ied out in step 128 (if allowed by the seller in a national transaction). A simplified operation of the process of the present invention would occur if a national transaction and no customer transport options were involved. As a result, only the sales tax would be added to the freight charges. Once the selections are taken in step 128, the sales tax can be automatically computed and displayed to the customer in step 129. In the case of most domestic transactions within the United States of America, the process would end at this point Unless the client chooses to enter the order and start this part of the process that refers to the credit confirmation and electronic title transfer and shipment of the selected items. For international transactions (to which the present invention is more specifically focused) and situations in which a customer may select some freight options, the calculation of freight charges is much more complex. First, (in step 130), income units are calculated for the products to be shipped, in four different ways, including: metric units for air transport; metric units for maritime transport; standard English units for air transport and standard English units for maritime transport. The precise calculations of each type of input units are already well known and do not require further elaboration for an understanding of the present invention. These calculations are standards in the shipping industry and are based on information derived from the third database, (coupled in step 122) including packaging requirements for the selected product or the selected products. The type of income unit selected by a vendor, customer or the program of the current transaction depends on several factors, including: the country of origin of the vendor; the country of origin of the person in charge of the shipment; the type of product involved (product code); and, (more important) the least expensive method to transport the items in question. In step 132, the discrete segments or links of the global transport route are determined based on the shipping data contained in the fifth database and processing center. This is also carried out based on a standard shipping route indicated by the seller, the route requested by the customer, or some combination of the two. The transport route is also based on the type of product indicated or on the product code provided by the third database, which also offers the shipment and the administrative requirements of a specific product. In many other cases, several discrete segments of the route are dictated by the nature of the product being shipped. For example, a car that is being shipped from Germany to the United States of America will be transported by sea and shipped in the most comfortable German port for the car manufacturer. The manufacturer will most likely dictate that shipping be carried out from the German port of your choice to New York City. At this point, the client has options as to how the vehicle will collect from the dock, will pass the US customs, and to the final destination. Thus, between the vendor and the customer, each discrete segment of the transport route is determined (step 132), as well as the costs that relate to each of the discrete segments of the trip (step 134). An example of such expenditures is shown in Table A, which represents an example of the costs for each discrete segment of the trip, and how these costs are added to the factory price of the items in question. Each discrete route segment includes costs, such as insurance, taxes, license fees, handling fees, and documentation fees. Thus, based on the origin of the articles and the destination "of said articles, as well as based on the units of income for the packing of the articles and the classification of the articles themselves, the cost of each discrete link is calculated using factors in the example found in Table A Evidently, the substeps are determined by origin and destination.In step 134, all costs such as freight, handling, basic taxes (such as sales taxes) and documentation fees , insurance, similar import / export charges), are calculated to provide a total cost to obtain the selected product or the selected products in the selected destination.In many cases, the import / export tariffs are based not on a price of the articles but in a first preliminary sum, including all the necessary expenses to move the product or the articles to the point where evaluate the tariffs. These fees are added to create a second preliminary amount due to some conditions, additional taxes such as taxes for luxury items, value added taxes, etc. are based on the second preliminary amount that includes transportation costs, some sales taxes and some tariffs on import / export. Thus, the final sum visualized in step 136 that includes all taxes under all circumstances, is based on the application of coefficients (based on tax rates) to the two previous sums. The example in Table A indicates the class of values involved, and how some of the taxes in the destination country are calculated based on previously calculated product cost, freight costs, insurance, taxes, etc. The results of this calculation (step 134) are converted into the currency requested by the customer, in the same way as that described in relation to steps 112, 116, 117 and 118. Thus, a potential customer has a presenter or viewer ( step 136) of the total cost of a foreign transaction displayed in front of it before actually carrying out the transaction. This contrasts with other online electronic transaction systems, which do not focus on international transactions, except in the case of simple charges for shipping or taxes. At this point, the customer has the option to investigate the prices of other products or to enter the order for the selected products. To order the products (step 140) the customer activates the appropriate area on the menu screen. This activation initiates two processes. In the first process an order is sent directly to the seller, requesting electronically (step 142) the shipment to the destination of the client. While it is the preferred method, the order can be "electronically stored by recording devices or managed by human operators, or by a combination of the three to have access to the order entry operation of the fourth database and processing center, preferably maintained by the seller.The seller can then process the order for the selected products, subtract the order from the inventory and carry out the arrangements for the shipment to the destination requested.So the seller can ship the products selected, it is necessary that you have a source of funds from the client.Therefore, it is necessary that the electronic order also initiate a second process, customer credit confirmation (step 150) .This can be carried out having access (in step 150) to a fifth database and processing center, preferably a credit or funds transfer system. This operation will be carried out using a credit card processing center to receive and code the credit card number using a commercial security system such as PGP (Pretty Good Protection) to confirm the validity of the credit card. The same processing center can then send a confirmation for the respective sales order to the vendor (step 160) by accessing the system of "sales order entry (fourth database)." Credit data transmission between customer, The standard credit card vendor and system is carried out through the current transaction system, however, the standard credit card authorization is not necessary for the system of the present invention to work. using two commercial banks, one that represents the seller and the other that represents the customer, is how funds are usually transferred between two countries that have different currencies, but such transfers are often uncomfortable and require time to exchange documents and approval of bank officials, thus, the conventional exchange of funds between banks The foreigners could greatly impede the operation of the system of the present invention, even in the case where it is carried out electronically through the transaction system of the present invention. Therefore, the use of international credit cards, such as American Express, is generally favored to facilitate the operation of the present invention. However, even international credit cards can sometimes prevent the operation of the present invention due to limitations on the banks that issue the credit cards. Accordingly, another preferred method for authorizing a credit includes the establishment of a system of clearing houses operating in parallel to the clearing houses of commercial banks and credit card organizations. Each vendor that participates with the transaction system provider that operates the present invention makes arrangements to accept credit checks from local clearinghouses established by the system operator in each country where the vendors are located. Clearinghouses in different countries would be in direct electronic communication between them through the Internet, satellite links, Intranet, dedicated data lines or EMF communication links, providing a transfer of data secured by commercial encryption packages, such as PGP or SET. The clearing houses in each country would accept local credit cards in the same way as any local seller. Thus, a local customer credit card could provide access to funds to a local clearing house, like any seller who obtains funds through a credit card, who could transfer credit from the client to a clearing house abroad without need to go through the complicated procedures of international banking. A foreign seller whose products are about to be purchased by the customer, could be paid through an electronic clearinghouse that has received compensation from the clearing house in the customer's country. The clearing house in the seller's country would act as a local credit card company, transferring funds to the seller on behalf of the customer. Preferably, the entire transaction would be carried out electronically in the same way that most credit card transactions are handled conventionally. Thus, funds available to the client from local bank credit in the Netherlands could be transformed into funds available to the American factory that will send the car to a port in Virginia for export purposes (Table A). Once the electronic funds (or other authorization) has been transferred to the vendor (step 161) from a local clearing house, the vendor will employ a connection to the transaction system of the present invention to generate an electronic title (step 165) which is also known as a commercial invoice. Copies on paper of the title or commercial invoice may also be generated from the electronic original for archival purposes or for presentation to entities that require hard copies for subsequent processing of the title or commercial invoice. The generation of the electronic title (in step 165) "" is done to create a faster transfer of the title through all the official channels that must approve the title and from there to the client. The electronic title can be generated by the seller or the transaction system of the present invention upon receiving authorization from the seller. Conventionally, the printed copy of the commercial invoice is appended to the articles and must be submitted manually to all official entities, (such as national customs services) that must process the documents, review the articles and authorize the movement to a country particular and outside it. Also, the conventional management of commercial invoices results in additional fees for the customer, but it can not be avoided since it must be carried out in each discrete segment of the boarding route. In addition, the loss of those documents would be catastrophic in terms of receiving the items on time. When generating the electronic commercial invoice (step 165 based on seller's authorization or provided by the seller), the seller must carry out two types of activities. The first activity is of an administrative nature and includes compliance with the requirements of the various government and regulatory entities that control the trade and the manufacturer at the location of the "seller" (step 180). The second activity is to organize transportation to the point requested by the client (step 170). In the simplest condition, this means paying the sales tax and a transport company to ship the goods at least part of the way to the destination requested by the customer. However, when international transactions are involved, such as the one illustrated in Table A, a much larger amount of administrative work is required. In addition, complications and expenses are added in the actual packaging, handling and shipping processes. In such a situation, the seller must organize and pay (step 170) transportation from the factory to a port of embarkation, as well as handling fees, dock fees, packing fees, and the insurance that is always necessary when you send valuable items by ship. A similar process is carried out when articles are sent by air even when there are minor complications in terms of the movement of articles from a terminal (usually where the national customs and export authorities must approve the items) to the plane. Obviously, to move something in an international transport, such as ship or plane, it requires the commercial invoice, packing list and some governmental releases, which indicate that the articles have received authorization for export. Alternatively, the current transaction system can perform vessel arrangements by the seller. Along with the physical packaging, handling and shipping of the items, it is necessary to carry out the administrative functions. The system of the present invention handles these administrative functions (step 180) by sending electronic requests to the necessary government agencies based on the code of articles of the harmonized code and the country of destination. This combination initiates a series of operations (among a large number of possible operations) to comply with the administrative requirements to carry out the transaction, including the generation of all the necessary documents based on data from the third database. For example, the combination of destination and product code can automatically initiate a petition with the Department of Commerce (DOC) to obtain an export license. This can be done electronically since the Department of Commerce, like most government entities, can receive email communications and respond to them. The electronic title can be sent as part of the export license request, and the response from the state department can be returned electronically. The electronic documentation from the Department of Commerce can then be used to prepare an application with the Department of State to obtain authorization to export the articles, if the code of the article and the country of destination justify this request. The electronic indication of an export license from the Department of Commerce and the electronic authorization documents from the Department of State can be sent electronically to the United States Customs Service., along with the electronic title to obtain a fast authorization that will allow the transfer of articles quickly from local transport to an international transport, such as an airplane or ship. In step 170, the seller has the option to pay local taxes, local transportation costs, insurance, packing, etc. he himself, or to contract so that a part of these activities is carried out by another person through the transaction system of the present invention. For example, the provider of the transaction system can arrange the payment of local taxes, organize local transport and insurance. However, due to the fact that most vendors currently have systems installed to effectively handle such tasks, it is unlikely that tariffs will fall on the operator of the transaction system. On the other hand, the payment of export tariffs, export license fees and handling through customs are much more appropriate tasks for the transaction system of the present invention since it is normal for the customer to pay for these requirements, and the system operator has access to funds provided by the customer, either through a credit card company or through electronic clearing houses of the same system operators Electronic documents can be easily converted in hard copies if signatures are required and the signature can be converted to electronic documents, with the increasing acceptance by government entities in general, in the sense of accepting electronic signatures, (such as those provided by a telefax machine), it is feasible that electronic signatures can be attached to modified electronic documents s in several ways already well known in conventional technology. Approvals from various government entities and customs services can be added to the documents electronically either by machine or by scanning the written signatures and stamps of an authorizing officer. When dealing with international transport, such as ships or airplanes, the items to be transported are usually displaced with the commercial invoice attached. The items are placed in the custody of an international transport officer (step 176), such as the captain of a ship, and the captain also takes possession of the commercial invoice (step 186). Normally, a bill of lading and a list of export packages are attached to the items and a copy is kept with the commercial invoice. In conventional transactions, when arriving at the port of destination, the international transport officer, (such as the captain of the ship), delivers the commercial invoices to a commercial entity that specializes in the movement of transport documents to the department of transport. Customs of the country of destination. This also increases the cost of international transactions. However, with the current system of transactions, the electronic titles and export packing list for the items can be transferred directly from the international transport officer by the system operator to the national customs departments of the country of destination, in the port that receives the items in question (step 187).

Normally this is carried out by transport companies such as FedEx, UPS, etc., and is often done in combination with the movement of goods from the dock / ramp / runway to the national customs area (step 177). ). Instead of providing a printed copy of a commercial invoice, an electronic copy may be provided with authorization from the international carrier, either as an electronic document or as a hard copy, which may be generated and provided with the signature of a carrier official. international. Preferably, the electronic document will be presented to the customs officials together with the payment of taxes previously calculated, import tariffs, value added taxes, taxes for luxury items, etc. (step 188). The transfer of funds can be made electronically to the national customs service or to other government services, if allowed. Otherwise, the transaction system of the present invention can be arranged so that the funds are provided to the international carrier or to another agent for presentation to the customs officials when the commercial title, bill of lading, etc., is presented. in such a way that the items can pass the national customs. Once the items have been removed from the customs area, a local carrier can take possession (step 178), and begin delivery to the required customer destination (step 179). The system of the present invention can organize payments with local carriers in such a way that the customer does not have to carry out this process. This arrangement is expected to be more comfortable since the transfer system operator will probably have better arrangements with local carriers than can be obtained by individual customers. The system operator will also have direct access to customer funds to ensure payment to local freight forwarders.

Once the commercial invoice passes the customs service, the document can be sent electronically through Internet, Intranet, facsimile, fax, PTP, or another convenient form, directly to the client (step 189). The electronic title, modified in accordance with the customs regulations of the two countries in question and the international carrier, will offer a complete sequence of transfer of items from the factory to the final destination. Based on the dates added to the electronic title, the client will know exactly where his articles were during the time it took them to travel the route from the factory to the final destination. Thus the client will have a complete record to monitor the costs and determine the point at which a possible damage occurred. Once an order has been entered (step 140), the customer information is uploaded to the customer database and the inventory information is updated. Customer information can be used to create customer profiles to be stored in "the sixth database, (not illustrated), and processing center." Such information can then be used to guide customers to catalogs or products related to acquisitions. Previously, as well as previously selected languages and currencies The present invention offers a complete point-to-point cost analysis for any international transaction, as well as for transactions carried out within a single country All costs are presented to the client before actually registering The order The transaction system also offers an automatic transfer of funds through credit card systems or virtual currency in clearing houses to carry out the transaction, electronically pay any necessary government agency. electronic, the need for paperwork in international transactions is frequently eliminated and the overall cost is reduced. Also providing an electronic title as the commercial invoice, the flow of documentation is facilitated, costs are reduced and the client receives a proof of acquisition in a more timely manner. As a result, international transactions can be carried out without unexpected charges to the customer at the time of delivery of the items. Although many embodiments of the present invention were presented by way of example, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention should be construed as including all variations, permutations, adaptations and configurations that could occur to a person skilled in the art upon reading the present invention, which is defined only in the appended claims.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS 1.- A system of computers connected through EMF communications links and adapted to use computer-to-computer communications to carry out international transactions, the system comprising: (a) a means to select a language, in which catalog information about products is displayed; (b) a means to select a currency, with which a price of the product is obtained; (c) a means to select products to be purchased and a destination for the selected products to be purchased, the selection means being adapted to initiate a calculation of all costs involved in moving the selected products to the destination; and (d) a means for ordering the selected products, the order means being adapted to initiate an electronic fund transfer authorization and the generation of an electronic title configured to define the possession, facilitate the passage of the selected products and the payments of taxes and international tariffs.
2. 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: (e) a means for verifying customer information for individual access to the system.
3. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the means for verifying the customer information comprises: a means to automatically select the currency based on the customer's information; and a means for determining an exchange rate based on the currency of the customer's country, and a predetermined exchange medium. 4.- The system in accordance with the claim 3, where the means to select products comprises: a means to distinguish between foreign and domestic transactions. 5. - The system in accordance with the claim 4, wherein the means to select products also comprises: a means to calculate shipping routes and costs for selection by the customer. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the means to select products comprises a means to calculate taxes, import tariffs, export tariffs and all boarding costs based on the selected shipping routes. 1 . - The system according to claim 6, wherein the means for ordering the selected products comprises a means for carrying out transactions to place the shipment of the products selected by the customer along a selected shipping route. 8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising (f) a means for correlating the movement of the electronic title with the movement of the selected products along the selected boarding route. 9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising: (g) a means to generate documents starting from the electronic title, when appropriate, along the selected route of shipment. in accordance with the claim 9, where the means to generate documents comprises: a means to authorize electronic payments of all the costs required along the boarding route. 11.- The system in accordance with the claim 10, which further comprises: (h) a means for storing and analyzing data on the basis of each client that has access to the system, to develop a shopping profile for each customer. 12. The system in accordance with the claim 11, which further comprises: a means to use the customer's purchasing profile to select candidate products that will be presented to the customer during subsequent access to the system, before the selection of products to be purchased by the customer. 13. A system to carry out all the requirements for a complete international transaction between computers operating on the Internet, at least one of the computers being programmed to understand: (a) a means to give access to a plurality of databases data, .the databases are related to each other by at least one transaction; (b) a means to generate an electronic title for products subject to the transaction; (c) a means to provide a route for the electronic title along a transport route in the products involved in the transaction. 14. The system according to claim 13, further comprising: (d) a means to transfer funds to pay all tariffs, handling costs and transfer costs of the items subject to the transaction. 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of databases comprise information about customer data, financial data, appropriate articles for the transaction, route information for the items subject to the transaction and costs to transfer articles, costs to handle items at transfer points, and costs of tariffs, and taxes 16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a means to convert currencies for the purpose of carrying out transactions between consumers and sellers in different countries. 17. The system according to claim 16, further comprising: (e) a means for generating a database of customer purchase histories and - financial data of the customer; and (f) a means to review the customer's purchase history data before initiating transactions. 18. A signal stream generated as part of an international transaction carried out through at least one EMF link between at least two computers, the signal flow being generated by at least one of the computers and comprising: (a) data pertaining to items subject to the transaction, (b) route information to transfer the items subject to the transaction, from a vendor to a destination, and (c) all the data necessary to generate an electronic title configured for define the possession and facilitate the passage of the articles subject to the transaction and the payment of taxes and international tariffs 19. The signal flow according to claim 18, wherein the signal flow further comprises: (d) data to generate all the necessary documents for an international transaction at transfer points, along a travel route of the items subject to the transaction in 20. The data stream according to claim 19, wherein the data stream further comprises: (c) financial information necessary to effect the transfer of funds from each of the transfer points throughout of the route, where the transfer is required. 21. A computer system adapted to carry out transactions through EMF communication links, using computer-to-computer communications, comprising: (a) a means to select products to be purchased and a destination for the products selected that are going to be purchased in this way; and (b) a means to order the selected products, thus initiating the generation of an electronic title configured to define the possession of the selected products. 22. The system according to claim 21, further comprising: (c) a means for moving the electronic title through EMF communications links, from point to point along a path to a transaction for the selected products. 23. The system according to claim 22, further comprising: (d) a means for providing authorization data at selected points of the points along the route of passage, by means of the electronic title. 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the means to provide authorization data comprises: a means to transfer funds for payment. 25.- The system in accordance with the claim 24, where the means to select products comprises a means to distinguish between foreign and domestic transactions. .. - - 26. - The system-- of compliance with the claim 25, wherein the means to provide authorization data further comprises v a means to generate • documents- a. Starting from the selected "tt.Lt." to the long "of the", route, step. '' _ twenty-one'. - The system - '"dé-conf? Rmi" dá.'d -' 'ico-n -; l-á' f-elvihdicácisn ^ 25, where the means to provide authorization data also includes: the payment of The transfer costs required at the points selected along the route of passage. 28. The system according to claim 21, wherein the means for ordering is adapted to carry out the transaction initiated by a single computer operation by a customer ordering the products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An international transaction system for Internet / Intranet operation, provides a pre-transaction calculation of all charges involved in any international transaction. At the customer's option, the items can be viewed in catalog sheets translated into the language of the client's choice, and the price is offered in a national currency selected by the client. The customer also has the option to initiate the order with automatic credit authorization, to generate an electronic title or a commercial invoice and to make arrangements and payment of charges for shipping, as well as taxes and import / export duties. Said system comprises: (a) a means for providing access to a plurality of databases, the databases being related to each other by at least one transaction; (b) a means to generate an electronic title for items subject to the transaction; (c) a means to provide a route for the electronic title along the route of transportation of the items involved in the transaction; and also includes: (d) a means to transfer funds to pay all tariffs, handling costs and transfer costs of the items subject to the transaction; wherein the plurality of databases comprises information on customer data, financial data, items appropriate for the transaction, routing information for items subject to the transaction and costs for transferring items, costs for handling items at transfer points, and costs of tariffs, and taxes; "'and a means to convert currencies for the purpose of carrying out transactions between consumers and sellers in different countries, and further comprising: (e) a means of generating a database of consumer purchase histories and consumer financial data. and (f) a means to review the customer's purchase history database before initiating transactions, and a signal stream generated as part of an international transaction carried out through an EMF link between at least two computers, generating the signal flow for at least one of the computers, and comprising: (a) items subject to the transaction; (b) route information for transferring the items subject to the transaction from the seller to a destination, and (c) all the necessary data to generate the electronic title configured to define the possession and facilitate the passage of the items subject to the transaction and the payment of taxes and international tariffs.